You know, I thought I knew quite a bit -- I've been around for 30-some years and I have had
some life experiences. Nothing too drastic in my life, no large trauma, no crazy family dynamics (for the most part), just a good life. But, boy am I in for some life lessons as Big Sister progresses in school.
First grade has begun and I am learning more and more each day. For instance, did you know that some boys are 'the boss' in class and you can't wear certain colors to school because then 'the boss' won't like you? "The boss" won't let the boys play with the girls, but I'm so proud of Big Sister -- she stands up to "the boss" and she has begun her own classification of a color system and she's been 'taking that color from the boys and giving it to the girls to wear' (not sure how this all works, but I'm learning).
Also, did you know that "everyone has to participate in dress down day", I "just have to" -- there's no room for discussion on that one, huh? What about "You know I don't eat
xxx", despite eating that item just 2 days ago and loving it.
I feel that in the span of 2 weeks I have lost my little girl and she now is battling the social injustices of acceptable color schemes, how to stand up to peer pressure and choosing food battles. Where did the time go when it was okay to be friends with both boys and girls, where children didn't care about what they wore and just ate what was packed for them in their lunch boxes?
I guess that was Kindergarten, huh? Well, Big Sister -- I sure hope you like your Big Bird apple juice box I packed for tomorrow -- too bad if you don't, sorry if you're embarrassed. But, I know secretly she will drink it and love it and not really care what the other kids think -- because she's my daughter and she's got a strong head on her shoulders and she's going to lead some great progress in her lifetime -- even if it's just 'allowing' the girls to wear boy colors!
1st day of 1st grade!
with her new teacher
Getting ready for the first day! SO excited -- Little Brother just can't wait for it to be his turn to go to school!
Gotta have a Cub's shirt, right? Getting ready to head out to the game...
Riding the subway to the game. Big Sister was lucky enough to spend the night at daddy's sister and her husband's house this summer -- so she's a veteran of riding the subway -- she LOVES it! Also pictured here are some of daddy's distant relatives -- visiting from France. They didn't speak English at all - Big Sister was so interested in listening to them speak and she wanted to be right by their side, listening and trying to talk with them. Although, I think she was too shy to try to tell them anything through translators. Daddy and his family speak French, so Big Sister may be following in their footsteps soon...
@ the game -- Little Brother was so intent in the game...
It was a cold, rainy day -- so, we pretty much had our choice of seats!
Silly faces with Mae Mae -- I can't get either of my kids to smile nicely....oh well, Mae Mae -- at least you look nice! :)
@ the end of the game -- time to go home....none of us really wanted to leave, but it was near the end, cold and rainy and we had a long drive home. Little Brother actually cried when we told him we needed to leave. Maybe next year, huh?
